MUNICH, Germany - Will it be unlucky 13 for Luiz Felipe Scolari? The Portugal
coach has never lost a World Cup match, a run that has reached 12 unbeaten games
at the World Cup dating back to 2002, when he led his native Brazil to the
title.
Now he is about to be tested by a resurgent French team in the semifinals.
Scolari snared seven straight World Cup four years ago. In Germany, the
surprising Portuguese have won four and drawn one — a goalless quarterfinal
against England when Portugal advanced after a penalty shootout.
Portugal's semifinal clash with France in Munich on Wednesday is the 13th
World Cup match of Scolari's career. He's looking to become the only coach to
win the World Cup trophy twice with different teams.
To do that, he has to complete his transformation of Portugal from a talented
team to a winning team.
So far, so good.
"They're taking it in their stride," Scolari said Tuesday of his players.
"They're overcoming limits. When you do that, the limits fall away and you can
start dreaming."
Scolari reckons the encounter with France will definitely stretch the
Portuguese, describing it as their sternest test yet in Germany.
"It's another step in a big project. We never aimed to be world champion, we
have always just concentrated on the next game," Scolari said.
Five of his players are carrying a yellow card and will miss the potential
final if they see another against the French.
Scolari, though, says they will give no quarter.
"To get to the final we have to win the semifinal. We have to play our normal
game," he said.
"If anyone picks up a card, it's not a problem," he added. "If you bring a
whole squad, it's because you trust them all."
Scolari's only injury concerns are Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have
had thigh muscle problems but are expected to be ready by Wednesday.
Midfield mastermind Deco and defender Costinha, who missed the quarterfinal
game with England through suspension, are back.
"Deco is roaring to go. You should see him," Scolari said. "All the players
will be giving all they've got to get into the final."
None of the Portuguese team was born when their country last came this far.
Eusebio led Portugal to a third-place finish in 1966.
Portugal has been disappointing since then. In the 1986 and 2002 tournaments,
it went home after the first round.
That's far off the pedigree of 1998 World Cup titlist France which is
appearing at its 12th tournament, including two third places and a fourth.
Portugal under Scolari is on a roll, though. It is on a 19-game unbeaten run
and hasn't lost in Germany.
"This is a special moment for us, for all Portuguese and that's why we don't
want to let anyone down, even ourselves," defender Miguel said.
"We've come this far, and we know what we're capable of, so on Wednesday
we'll be giving it all we've got so that we can go home with a clear
conscience."
